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Medical News Today
a day ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Byetta interactions: Supplements, alcohol, and more
Byetta has possible interactions with alcohol, some other drugs, and certain supplements. Examples include birth control pills and insulin medications. Talk with your doctor to avoid potentially harmful effects from Byetta interactions. An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. By learning about possible Byetta interactions, you can work with your doctor to ensure that Byetta is safe and effective for you. » Learn more about Byetta, including details about its uses. Before you start treatment with Byetta, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. To learn whether Byetta interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the 'Byetta and other interactions' section. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Here's a table of drugs that can interact with Byetta. Keep in mind that this table doesn't include all drugs that may interact with Byetta. Some of these interactions are described in detail in 'Drug interactions in depth.' In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Byetta due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. Here are the contraindications of Byetta. Note: Before you start treatment with Byetta, it's important to tell your doctor if these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Byetta. Byetta and other drugs that contain exenatide can cause DITP. This side effect can be life threatening in rare cases. Due to this risk, doctors typically won't prescribe Byetta if you've had this reaction after using exenatide in the past. Instead, they'll likely prescribe a treatment other than Byetta for your condition. If you've had an allergic reaction to Byetta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Byetta. Using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. Drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar level to drop. Consuming alcohol while using Byetta may raise your risk of low blood sugar levels. As a result, your doctor may suggest limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding excessive drinking while you're using Byetta. If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Byetta treatment, talk with your doctor. Here's a closer look at certain drug interactions of Byetta. Byetta interacts with birth control pills. In addition to preventing pregnancy, these medications have some other uses, such as treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) episodes and managing acne. Byetta can affect how well your body absorbs any medication taken by mouth, including birth control pills. Injecting Byetta and taking a birth control pill at the same time may prevent your body from absorbing the birth control pill correctly. This can make the birth control pill less effective. Here are some birth control pills that may interact with Byetta: ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel (Cyclessa, others) ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone (Yaz, others) ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Ashlyna, others) ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Activella, others) ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel (Cryselle, others) Although Byetta and birth control pills interact, the effects of this interaction can be lowered by taking your pill at least one hour before injecting Byetta. Byetta can interact with insulin medications, which are prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Both Byetta and insulin work to lower blood sugar levels. Using them together can help keep blood sugar levels within your goal. However, they also raise the risk of low blood sugar as a side effect. Here are some insulin medications that may interact with Byetta: Although Byetta and insulins interact, they're still sometimes prescribed together. But your doctor may prescribe a lower insulin dosage if you also use Byetta. Talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, such as tremors, sweating, or dizziness. They may want to decrease your insulin dosage if you have this side effect during Byetta treatment Byetta interacts with sulfonylureas, which are medications used to manage high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas and Byetta both work by lowering blood sugar levels. Using them together can be helpful when blood sugar remains high despite treatment with either drug on its own. But combining them also raises the risk of low blood sugar as a side effect. Here are some sulfonylurea medications that may interact with Byetta: glipizide (Glucotrol XL) glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta) Despite the interaction, Byetta and sulfonylureas are still sometimes prescribed together. In this case, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dosage of the sulfonylurea if they recommend taking it with Byetta. Immediately let your doctor know if you're having symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, and irregular heartbeat. They may want to further lower your sulfonylurea dosage. Byetta may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or lab tests. Here are some potential interactions with Byetta. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all possible Byetta interactions. Before you start treatment with Byetta, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Byetta interacts with garlic supplements, which may be used for several purposes, such as helping manage blood sugar. Both Byetta and garlic supplements can lower blood sugar levels. So using them together may raise your risk of low blood sugar. Byetta also interacts with green tea supplements, which are used for a range of potential health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and decreasing inflammation in the gut. Since green tea supplements may lower blood sugar levels, using Byetta and a green tea supplement at the same time may raise your risk of low blood sugar levels. For this reason, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using a garlic or green tea supplement if you're prescribed Byetta. They can advise whether this is safe for you. They may recommend that you closely monitor your blood sugar level at home if you use either supplement with Byetta. There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Byetta. However, that doesn't mean vitamin interactions won't occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Byetta. Byetta may interact with green tea. Consuming green tea, especially in large amounts, may lower blood sugar. Since Byetta works to lower blood sugar, you may have a higher risk of low blood sugar levels if you consume a lot of green tea while using Byetta. Your doctor can adjust your Byetta dosage according to how much green tea you consume, but they'll likely ask you to keep your green tea consumption consistent. This can help your doctor determine the best Byetta dosage that keeps your blood sugar from staying too high or too low. Garlic supplements may interact with Byetta. But there's no expected interaction with garlic used in food. The amount of garlic in food is usually small. The food is also often divided into multiple servings. The amount of garlic would be much less than in a garlic supplement. If you have additional questions or want more information about eating certain foods during Byetta treatment, talk with your doctor. There aren't any known interactions between Byetta and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to check whether you're due for any vaccines. Byetta isn't known to interact with lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor. BYETTA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Byetta. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Byetta. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Byetta treatment plan. Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees. Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Byetta. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Byetta may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Health conditions or factors that might interact with Byetta include: Current or past pancreas condition: Byetta side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas). If you have or have had a pancreas condition such as pancreatitis, you may have an increased risk of this side effect. Talk with your doctor to learn more about whether Byetta treatment is safe for you. Byetta side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas). If you have or have had a pancreas condition such as pancreatitis, you may have an increased risk of this side effect. Talk with your doctor to learn more about whether Byetta treatment is safe for you. Digestive system problems, especially delayed stomach emptying: Using Byetta is not recommended if you have a severe digestive condition, especially gastroparesis or another condition that slows stomach emptying. Instead, your doctor can review other treatments for type 2 diabetes that are safer for you to use. Using Byetta is not recommended if you have a severe digestive condition, especially gastroparesis or another condition that slows stomach emptying. Instead, your doctor can review other treatments for type 2 diabetes that are safer for you to use. Kidney condition, including past kidney transplant: Byetta side effects can include worsened kidney function and sudden kidney failure. Before you start using Byetta, let your doctor know if you have chronic kidney disease or another kidney condition. Depending on the severity of your kidney condition, Byetta may not be safe for you to use. Or your doctor may prescribe a lower Byetta dosage depending on your kidney function. Byetta side effects can include worsened kidney function and sudden kidney failure. Before you start using Byetta, let your doctor know if you have chronic kidney disease or another kidney condition. Depending on the severity of your kidney condition, Byetta may not be safe for you to use. Or your doctor may prescribe a lower Byetta dosage depending on your kidney function. Scheduled surgery: Treatment with Byetta can raise the risk of food getting into your lungs during procedures that require anesthesia or sedation, such as surgery. Talk with your doctor before undergoing such procedures during Byetta treatment. They may recommend temporarily pausing Byetta treatment for some time before the procedure, and they can advise when it's safe for you to continue treatment afterward. Treatment with Byetta can raise the risk of food getting into your lungs during procedures that require anesthesia or sedation, such as surgery. Talk with your doctor before undergoing such procedures during Byetta treatment. They may recommend temporarily pausing Byetta treatment for some time before the procedure, and they can advise when it's safe for you to continue treatment afterward. Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Byetta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Byetta. Using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. If you've had an allergic reaction to Byetta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Byetta. Using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. Breastfeeding: It's not known whether it's safe to use Byetta while breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Byetta may have on a child who is breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Byetta. They can discuss treatment options and ways to feed a child other than breastfeeding. It's not known whether it's safe to use Byetta while breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Byetta may have on a child who is breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Byetta. They can discuss treatment options and ways to feed a child other than breastfeeding. Pregnancy: There haven't been enough clinical trials to determine whether Byetta is safe to use while pregnant. Animal studies show that the drug may cause congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss. However, it's important to note that animal studies don't always indicate what may happen in humans. And high blood sugar levels are known to increase certain risks during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Byetta. They can advise the right treatment plan for you. You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Byetta. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reaching out to them before starting treatment is a helpful first step. For example, it's important that you plan to do the following: Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis. Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Create a medication list , which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out. It's also important to read the Byetta label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. The paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions. If Byetta doesn't come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also help prevent interactions with Byetta by using it exactly as your doctor prescribes. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Diabetes Type 2 Pharmacy / Pharmacist Drugs
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
How to treat sting 'like being stabbed by red-hot needle' after sightings
A pharmacist has advised how to treat a sting from an Asian hornet amid a rise in sightings in the UK. So far this year, three nests found and there have been 24 sightings of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, which pose a major threat to many native UK insects, including honey bees. An Asian hornet - believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004 - can consume 50 honey bees a day with a swarm able to kill off a hive of more than 30,000 bees. In 2024 there were 71 sightings and 24 hives found - and while experts do not believe there is an established UK population yet, a DEFRA eradication programme continues this year. The warning from Well Pharmacy comes as Brits spend more time outdoors during an unseasonal 23C hot spell this week - considerably warmer than the 14C monthly average. The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man, often compared to being stabbed by a red-hot needle. Well Pharmacy wants the public to be aware of how they can treat themselves or others who may be unfortunate enough to suffer an Asian hornet sting. Anyone suffering immediate shortness of breath after contact with an Asian hornet or any insect must call 999, while Brits worried about bug bites and stings can go direct to their local pharmacy. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, in England, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP. The hornet, which has been mainly sighted in Kent with a couple of other sightings in Hampshire and a solitary sighting in Shropshire can potentially wreak havoc on the UK's ecosystem. It is important Brits are able to tell the difference between harmless insect bites and life-threatening stings. The invasive species have slight differences in appearance to wasps and other hornets - most prominently, the Asian hornet has yellow legs. Asian hornets are generally seen as more aggressive than wasps unlike their European cousin and will potentially sting unprovoked. If you are stung by an Asian hornet, then Well Pharmacy's George Sandhu has the following advice which could help alleviate the pain. 1. Clean with soap and water Mr Sandhu says: 'A hornet sting will be much more painful than normal stings, there is no stinger left behind, meaning there is nothing to be removed. Instead head for the sink and use soap and cool water to clean the wound, no matter how small.' 2. Apply ice Mr Sandhu says: 'Once the wound has been cleaned, head to the freezer to get ice because cooling the body's temperature will slow the spread of venom. The coolness of the ice will also provide a soothing relief to the throbbing pain which comes from an Asian hornet sting.' 3. Monitor symptoms Mr Sandhu urges anyone who has been stung to keep monitoring the wound [2] and their condition - or make sure someone is around to keep a close eye on them. Mr Sandhu says: 'Some people who are stung by an Asian hornet will find themselves having an allergic reaction following the incident. 'It is important to consult a medical professional immediately if you believe you've had an allergic reaction to an Asian hornet sting.' 4. Get emergency help Mr Sandhu says: 'If you can feel your throat getting tight or you are having trouble breathing then it is possible that you may go into anaphylactic shock. It is crucial to ensure that people around you are aware of this so they can ring 999 and get the proper help for you. If you're with someone who is experiencing these symptoms then stay calm and call an ambulance.' 5. Be one step ahead Mr Sandhu said: 'Patients may be aware that they are allergic to bee or wasp stings and if this is the case then they should make sure to always have a bee sting kit on their person. Having this kit available will allow for immediate treatment which can help save their lives should they be stung by a bee, wasp or Asian hornet. 'The kits are compact and don't take up too much space and should be a part of someone's checklist whenever they suspect they may experience insects they are allergic to.' 6. Pharmacy First Mr Sandhu added: 'It is also important to remember that pharmacists can offer expert advice on any insect bites or stings through the Pharmacy First scheme. If you are looking for medical advice and treatment, then head to your local Well Pharmacy where a pharmacist can discuss options to treat the issue. 'Many patients have the option to purchase antihistamines, steroid creams and painkillers over the counter at their local pharmacy to enable immediate treatment. Other treatments can also be offered all without the need for a doctor's appointment due to the Pharmacy First scheme.' He adds: 'All insect stings and bites can be sore initially however there are a variety of treatments which can aid patients. Many patients find that creams are helpful in soothing the area which has been stung whilst others also use soap and water to ensure that the wound is clean. 'Asian hornets possess a particularly strong sting which can be very unpleasant however if patients follow the above guidance they will be able to soothe the sting which should heal in a few days.'
CBS News
28-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
If these items are in your medicine cabinet, it's time to throw them away. Here's how to do it safely.
Here's your friendly reminder not to overlook your medicine cabinet in your cleaning routine. Just like food, medications and supplements can expire, meaning the products hiding out in your home may not be as safe or effective as you think. "It's easy for expired medication to go unnoticed because people aren't always in the habit of proactively checking their medication's expiration dates," Stacia Woodcock, pharmacist and pharmacy editor at health care company GoodRx, told CBS News. "Ultimately it doesn't matter when you do your check-in as long as you do it regularly." Does expired medicine still work? Woodcock doesn't recommend taking medication after it's expired. "Expiration dates indicate how long a medication is guaranteed to do what it's designed to do safely. And they aren't arbitrary — expiration dates are determined through clinical studies to help ensure medication safety," she said. After an expiration date, medications can become less potent or even contaminated with bacteria. This could become dangerous in certain situations, Woodcock explained. For example, if someone has an asthma attack, taking an expired medication could prevent them from getting an effective dose. "That's why it's much better to proactively review your medications and make sure they're always safe and up-to-date," she said. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agrees taking expired medications carries certain health risks, the agency also recognizes, in some cases, "testing has shown that certain properly stored medical products can be used beyond their labeled expiration date if they retain their stability." Some research has also shown certain medications can still be safe to take even if the potency has decreased. "It's true the effectiveness of a drug may decrease over time, but much of the original potency still remains even a decade after the expiration date," a 2019 study noted, adding there are some exceptions including insulin, liquid antibiotics and nitroglycerin, which is often used for chest pain. The Cleveland Clinic suggests keeping a few things in mind if you are considering taking an expired medication, including the type of drug. "Taking some expired ibuprofen for a headache is probably OK. But using expired insulin for diabetes or nitroglycerin for angina is a different story," the clinic says. The format of the drug is also important since liquid medications like eye drops, ear drops and antibiotics tend to grow bacteria more easily than solid pills, the clinic adds. And, the date of expiration should also considered. "Medicine that expired last week is different from one that expired months ago. The longer it's been expired, the more likely it isn't any good," the clinic says. For serious health conditions and prescription drugs, it's best to ask your health care provider for guidance. Where should you store medication? To keep medication in the best shape, store them somewhere cool and dry. "Contrary to the name, the bathroom medicine cabinet is actually a terrible place to keep medications," Woodcock said. "A kitchen cabinet or pantry is a much better option." If they aren't stored properly, medications can go bad before their expiration date, Woodcock warned. "So if the color, texture, or smell seems off, it's best not to take it," she said. "I also recommend storing medications out of reach from children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion." Can you use expired sunscreen? Sunscreen, a skin protection staple, also shouldn't be used after its expiration. While you may not consider it a medicine, it's important to dispose of it after the date listed due to effectiveness, according to the FDA. The FDA requires sunscreens to remain at its original strength for at least three years. So, if a sunscreen product doesn't have an expiration date, consider it expired three years after purchase. For storage, the FDA also recommends not exposing sunscreen containers to direct sun. Can you flush expired medications? "The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medication is at a medication-take-back location," Woodcock said, adding many pharmacies and health care facilities have drop boxes for expired meds. Some medication can also be flushed down the toilet, but only if it's on the FDA's flush list, Woodcock added. "If you don't have a take-back location nearby, you can dispose of your medication in your household garbage. But you should remove it from the bottle and mix it with coffee grounds or kitty litter," she said, which also follows the FDA's guidance on disposal. "And be sure to remove any labels with personal information too." Medicine cabinet essentials If you need to restock your first aid after your cleaning spree, Woodcock suggested a few essentials to have on hand at home: First aid kit: This includes things like bandages, ice packs, antibiotic ointment and an ace bandage, which Woodcock said are "key items to have on hand." Back-up supplies: "If you're living with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes or epilepsy, prioritize replenishing the meds you would need in an emergency situation, like inhalers, glucose tablets or epipens," she added. Other essentials: Over-the-counter pain reliever and basic cough and cold products can also be helpful to have on hand, she said.
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
New NI-built pharmacy app can save NHS £1.7bn, claim founders
Neil Sharpe and Stephen Toland have launched ConsultTed following a six-figure investment and said it gives community pharmacies the ability to manage minor illnesses like sore throats, coughs and stomach bugs "directly and safely'. The app encourages patients to use pharmacies as a first port of call, therefore easing pressures on GPs and hospitals. It's already used in some pharmacies here, with a full roll-out planned across the island of Ireland by August. The co-founders said the platform could boost the UK economy by £350m a year by cutting workplace absences and providing pharmacies with up to £30,000 in annual added income but without increasing their workload. Mr Toland said: 'Community pharmacies have untapped potential to ease pressure on our healthcare system. 'With ConsultTed, we're giving them the digital tools to deliver safe, same-day treatment for minor illnesses without the need to see a GP.' The pair said that over 30 million GP and hospital appointments in the UK last year 'could have been handled by pharmacies without a prescription'. ConsulTed is in beta testing and launching pilot sites across the Republic in the coming weeks, while it's been showcased in London, Dublin and New York. The co-founders are part of the AMP Growth Incubator at Derry's Ebrington complex, and have secured a place on Invest NI's Founder Labs Programme. Mr Sharpe, who works in a pharmacist in Donaghcloney in Co Down, said: 'Our goal is to make ConsultTed the go-to minor illness platform across the UK and Ireland. 'We're actively seeking partnerships with healthcare providers, policymakers and pharmacy groups to help make pharmacy-first care the new normal.' Mr Toland, a pharmacist in Derry, was named Pharmacist of the Year at the Pharmacy in Focus NI Awards in March.
Medical News Today
24-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Omvoh side effects: Common, mild, and serious
As with other drugs, Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz) can cause side effects, such as herpes viral infection. If you are not able to tolerate side effects of Omvoh, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz) is a brand-name drug that's prescribed for adults to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. 'Active' means the condition is currently causing symptoms. The side effects you experience may vary depending on the condition being treated. If you have problems with side effects from Omvoh, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop Omvoh treatment without consulting your doctor first. Omvoh can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The following are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Omvoh in studies. These side effects can vary depending on the condition being treated. More common side effects in people taking Omvoh for Crohn's disease include: upper respiratory infection, such as a sinus infection injection site reactions elevated liver enzyme tests headache joint pain For more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Side effect specifics' section. Mild side effects can occur with Omvoh use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Omvoh's prescribing information. Mild side effects that have been reported with Omvoh include: upper respiratory infection, such as a sinus infection injection site reactions elevated liver enzyme tests headache joint pain skin rash or hives herpes viral infection These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect during treatment with Omvoh and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. For more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Side effect specifics' section. Omvoh may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Omvoh's prescribing information. If you develop serious side effects during Omvoh treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include: increased risk of serious infections, such as pneumonia; symptoms will vary based on the specific infection but may include: fever, chills, and sweating cough fatigue liver problems Allergic reaction For some people, Omvoh can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. Ways to manage For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They'll also let you know whether you should continue taking the medication. For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to a drug, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead. Learn more about some of the side effects that Omvoh may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Omvoh. Herpes viral infection was a rare side effect reported in studies of Omvoh for treating ulcerative colitis. This side effect was not reported in studies where Omvoh was used to treat Crohn's disease. It's important to note that Omvoh doesn't 'give' you herpes. Treatment with Omvoh can raise your risk of any infection, including infections caused by the herpes virus. And if you've already been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, treatment with Omvoh could trigger an outbreak that causes symptoms to appear. Herpes zoster (shingles) may cause symptoms such as: a skin rash that's similar to chickenpox but appears in only certain areas, such as on your waist, chest, back, or abdomen, and typically affects one side of your body fluid-filled blisters that are part of the rash a constant burning, dull, or gnawing pain or an on-and-off sharp, stabbing pain Oral herpes simplex may cause symptoms including cold sores (also called fever blisters) that develop in or around your mouth or lips. In rare cases, the sores can also appear on your tongue, your face, or other areas of your skin. If you've previously been exposed to the herpes virus, treatment with Omvoh could cause a symptom outbreak. If you have symptoms of a herpes infection while taking Omvoh, talk with your doctor. They'll likely recommend treatment with an antiviral drug such as acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex). They may also recommend other treatments for managing symptoms, which will vary based on your specific symptoms and the type of infection. Liver problems were a very rare side effect in studies of Omvoh. Symptoms of this side effect include: elevated liver enzymes, which your doctor may notice on a liver function test yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes abdominal pain If you have an existing liver condition, such as cirrhosis, you may be at higher risk of developing this side effect from Omvoh treatment. For at least the first 24 weeks of treatment, your doctor will order blood tests to check your liver function. Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your Omvoh treatment. If you notice symptoms of liver damage while taking Omvoh, let your doctor know right away. Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your Omvoh treatment. In studies, liver function tests returned to normal after stopping Omvoh. Injection site reactions were commonly reported in studies of Omvoh. These are side effects that appear at or around the site where Omvoh is injected. Injection site reactions reported with Omvoh include: pain skin redness or discoloration hives In most cases, Omvoh injection site reactions are temporary and go away on their own in a few hours or days. But if you have symptoms that bother you or don't go away, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to relieve your symptoms. Omvoh may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug's side effects and their answers. Possibly. Omvoh treatment begins with three doses given by intravenous (IV) infusion. In studies of Omvoh, infusion-related reactions included itchiness, skin redness or discoloration, and anaphylaxis. These side effects occur during or shortly after the infusion. While similar side effects can happen with subcutaneous injections of Omvoh, it's not clear whether anaphylaxis occurred after subcutaneous injections in studies. During Omvoh infusions, a healthcare professional will be available to immediately treat any infusion reaction that develops. Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about what you might expect from Omvoh infusions. Possibly, but it isn't clear whether long-term side effects happened in studies of Omvoh. For example, liver problems, including liver injury, are rare but did happen in these studies. However, liver function appears to return to normal once Omvoh is stopped. Omvoh can raise your risk of infections, including tuberculosis (TB). In rare cases, certain infections can cause long-term complications. Omvoh's prescribing information doesn't detail whether any long-term infections occurred. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions you may have about Omvoh treatment and your risk of long-term side effects. Before starting treatment with Omvoh, discuss your health history with your doctor. Omvoh may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you: active infection latent tuberculosis (TB) liver condition, such as cirrhosis recent or upcoming vaccinations previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug pregnancy breastfeeding alcohol consumption Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Ulcerative Colitis Pharmacy / Pharmacist Drugs Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
